Dinky Donkeys Forest School

Dinky Donkeys is a family-run forest school in Malmesbury, Wiltshire. Situated in the south Cotswold area, it provides group outdoor play and learning sessions for pre-school age children and their parents, and 1-2-1s for preschool and primary-age children. Local schools also utilise Dinky Donkeys for full class sessions, and it is also a popular destination for birthday parties and kids' gatherings! Our Philosophy: We believe in providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. Our goal is to create a community of outdoor enthusiasts who support each other and share their love for nature. Our Story (from the founders, Katie Freeman & Rob Lowe): We lived in Denmark with our three children, where we relished the outdoor lifestyle and the Danish philosophy of learning through play. Upon our return to the UK, Katie started working at a pupil referral unit, providing one-on-one support to children who, for various reasons, were unable to attend school. Our days were spent entirely outdoors, kindling fires, cooking and exploring the woods. Later, Katie took on a role as a groom at Riding for the Disabled. We've been the proud owners of a woodland area for three years now, and we've been slowly yet thoughtfully clearing and replanting it to create the enchanting space that we believe it is today. We share this space with our assortment of animals, which includes horses, ponies, donkeys, tortoises, and chickens. Katie is a qualified level 3 Forest School leader, DBS checked with first aid & safeguarding training. Rob runs the business side and the marketing, as well as helping with the sessions whenever possible. I strongly advocate for the benefits that spending quality time outdoors can offer children. It's not just about letting them play and learn, but also about giving them the freedom to acquire new skills and learn in a natural, playful environment.